The seroprevalence of HTLV-1 in Neyshabour City, Northeast of Iran, during 2008-2009

Background and Aims: HTLV-1 is widespread worldwide and endemic in some areas such as Northeastern Iran. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of HTLV-1 among individuals in Neyshabour City during the years of 2008-2009. Materials and Methods: A total of 254 blood specimens were collected from participants in the great medical diagnostic laboratory of Neyshabur, Northeast Iran. Travelers to the city were excluded from this study. History of each patient was also assessed for the possible existence of virus before test and meanwhile each of patient’s consent of inclusion was prepared. The history of patients syringe transfusion condition and literacy level of them was also prepared. From each individual, 5 ml of blood sample was collected. Serum samples were prepared through centrifugation and stored at -20°C. Sera samples were tested screened for the presence of specific anti- HTLV antibodies against HTLV-1 by the Enzyme-linked Immuno-sorbent Assay (ELISA) test (Dia.pro diagnostic bioprobes corporation, Italy) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Results: HTLV-1 infection was positive in 5.5% (14/254) of the participants according to the results of ELISA test. The prevalence of total HTLV-1 in each year of 208 and 2009 was 6.2%, 5.1%, respectively. The individuals with more than 40 years had a higher rate of infection (10% and upper). Conclusion: The HTLV-1 infection was detected at a high rate in individual’s blood donors in Neyshabur city during 2008-2009. The rate of infections showed a decrease state from far to the recent years.